To many, the concept of plasma being used to transform waste into energy is science fiction. Yet one British company is using it to do just that.

Advanced Plasma Power (APP) has developed a process called Gasplasma, which combines gasification and plasma treatment to convert waste into two products: a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas and an inert product it calls Plasmarok. The firm says it has applications as a high value construction material.

According to the company, the process involves several steps. After waste has been processed to recover any materials that can be recycled, the remainder is turned into what APP class a refuse derived fuel, or RDF.